Exorcists' Guardian Angel
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Chapter 10:Exorcists' Guardian Angel
(Que Seven Deadly Sins Ost "Sky Peace")
Issei can safely say he is worried for his friend and Rias' Knight, Kiba Yuuto. His fellow swordsman had grown distant and gloomy over the past few days. It got so bad that Kiba's distraction almost costed an injury upon Rias from a stray devil if it wasn't for the Sin of Lust.
It all started when the ORC, including the newest addition of Murayama and Katase, suddenly visited his home. He had no knowledge of this since Issei was on a date with Xulean. How that happened was an entirely different story involving a literal pushy Asia determined to see Issei's dream a reality and immediately takes action when she sees another girl attracted to him. Issei had no idea whether to thank his lovely angel or be disturbed by the fact Asia has not fallen somehow.
Back on topic, it was shocking to Issei when he came back home only to find his mother showing the entire ORC baby photos of himself. When he saw his own peerage members cooing over his baby photos, all the King could do was sulk in a corner in shame.
Issei had officially face as a badass after this.
"Who knew the pervert was soo~ cute?!" Squealed Murayama, holding a picture of a baby Issei in a crib.
"Seeing Issei-sama so small is adorable." Xulean said amusingly as she looked at a toddler Issei playing in the sand naked.
"I'd be happy to show you more." Mrs. Hyodou replied with a smile.
And just like that, Issei's peerage of a Rook and both Knights begged to his mother for more pictures with sparkles in their eyes. It was especially unnerving seeing it from Xulean, but earlier today she was laughing in joy when she and Issei were at the arcade on the dance machine. Issei can safely say that Xulean was as talented in dancing as she was a training nut.
While those such as Rias and Asia were looking through the photo books, Kiba had stumbled on a picture that portrayed Issei and his childhood friend Irina Shidou. In his youth, Issei thought that one of his closest friends was in fact a boy. It took actually being brutally trained by Asuna consisting of multiple concussions that he realized that Irina was in fact a girl. He couldn't help but wonder how she had grown after all these years.
But Kiba's attention was on the background. Specifically, the ornate sword that was leaning on the wall. Issei was clueless at the time, but he later learned that Irina's family were full of exorcists. That would make the blade not some sort of decoration, but an actual Holy Sword. Whatever the case, ever since Kiba saw that blade, he started acting differently. And Issei knew at some point down the line he was going to get someone hurt.
Issei couldn't help but sigh as he returned from an established contract. Being contacted to Azazel was already confusing as hell.
(Abandoned Church)
It was a stormy night over Kuoh as lightning flashed in the darkness.
Within the previous base of the fallen angels now stood two humanoid figures shrouded in cloaks of white. One had a bandaged object just as tall on the back, and both of them wore a gold medallion that marked them as exorcists of the church.
"I would say that utter ruins describes it." Spoke the one with the object.
"Rumors have it that the damage was caused by a conflict between the devils and the fallen." Spoke the other one.
The former reached a slim arm to pull the hood back, revealing a young women's face with a head of blue hair and a single green lock.
"So this is it?" Asked the woman. "This is the town we're supposed to meet him?"
Her companion pulled her hood back, revealing it to be a young woman as well with brown hair tied into two ponytails and deep purple eyes.
"Trust me on this." Said the brunette, pulling out the exact copy of the picture with Issei, his friend, and the Holy Sword. "I used to live here, remember? Besides, we have to stay here until the guardian Heaven sent to protect us gets here. After all, we are in devil territory."
The blue-haired girl huffed and reluctantly sat down on one of the seats that weren't in splinters. The latter girl with the purple eyes stayed standing as she surveyed the church. Once a long time ago when she used to live here, this very church was ripe with faith and prayer. She would always come here with her family to say prayer to God, and she remembered the local priest here that was close friends with her father. To see it in ruins like this tore at the young woman's heart.
"It's a shame really." Spoke the brunette. "This used to be a beautiful place of worship. To see it like this, it pains my heart that people won't be able to speak to the Lord himself."
"But yet it is the stones that make up this ruin that still reminds the people of God's grace." Spoke a third feminine voice. Unlike the other two, this third voice had a higher pitch to it, yet at the same time carrying itself with a grace of a breeze and the softness of clouds. "No matter how much is destroyed, God's ideals shall always shine even in the blackest of our days."
The two women turned around, readying their weapons to attack.
But their eyes widened when they literally felt a holy aura permeating in the very air of the church. Their eyes widened on sight on the figure before them slowly walking from the entrance. Her slow clicks of her boots against the stone floor weren't even drowned by the crash of thunder outside. In the momentary flashes of lightning from the storm outside, the exorcists took quick examination of what the light illuminated. Instead of a white cloak, the newcomer wore a hood of red that wrapped around her entire figure and connected to her shoulders was a pair of silver crosses. She stood at 5'4", not necessarily a huge height but it did not stop the waves of holy power rolling off of her form like a wind.
The two exorcist finally realized this wasn't just their ally, but their superior in every way. This was the angel sent from Heaven for their protection in this important mission.
"At ease." Spoke the angel, and the exorcists did as they were told.
"May I know your names?"
"Xenovia Quarta." Introduced the bluenette.
"Irina Shidou." Introduced the brunette. 'We're sorry for raising arms against you, my lady."
"Don't be." The angel brushed off. "In fact, I would be a little concerned if you weren't on guard. Since you've given me your names, I will do the courtesy as well."
A small, porcelain hand reached up to the red hood and pulled it back. It revealed a face with rounded cheeks that were dusted pink that didn't look to be older than seventeen years of age. Black, spiky hair swept down to her shoulders where the exorcists saw it the tips were red. What caught most of their attention were the angel's eyes.
Instead of shining blue they thought of, her eyes were a brilliant silver as though they were a reflection of moonlight itself. They had no idea how, but they could tell that unfathomable holy power radiated from them.
The angel flashed a cheeky smile instead of a matured warmth.
"Hello Irina, Xenovia, my name - is Ruby Rose." The angel paused as for a moment as her back sprouted a total of eight wings. It was only for a moment, but Xenovia and Irina were left in awe of the feathers that shined like sunlit silver, comparable to the golden wings of Michael himself. "And have no fear, for your guardian angel is here."
(The Next Day)
The sounds of grunts and the clashing of steel could be heard in the an open field behind the ORC building. Of course, none one that was just a regular human would notice due to the barrier that made it secure from outside sources. Within it were only three people sparing with blades and blurring in amazing speeds no normal human will ever match. One of them was Issei wielding his gladius and not looking even touched. The other two were Katase and Murayama, who are unfortunately worse for wear.
The smack of two kicks striking flesh followed painful yelps from the pair of Issei's Knights as they stumbled on the ground and groaned in pain. This was the first day of training that Issei planned to do with every member of his peerage. For his Knights, it was a bit more special since Issei went out of his way to procure them equipment.
Xulean had her talents in martial arts that will take her far and was studying steel magic from Diane, but while Katase and Murayama were impressive with their skill with a blade they needed a bit more power. And that brings to the new swords they each held.
For Murayama, she had a western-style blade fit for her more taller figure as her sword style relied on precise strikes that packed a lot of power. It had a one-and-a-half hilt that was a black in color with a gold pommel and cross guard. The guard however was more elaborately designed with blue gilding on it with a deep blue stone etched as a sideways diamond in the center. Two swirls of blue with a deep purple filling ran along the width of the blade, and the blade itself had a slight shape to it that would make it appropriate to throw like a lance. At Murayama's hip was its sheath colored black with blue diamonds. This sword was a Sacred Treasure Issei offered to Murayama called Steel Bolt Khaine, and one can guess the effects can be quite flashy.
Katase's style with a blade was more quick and nimble than Murayama, so Issei gave the pink-haired girl a katana. The hilt was wrapped in crimson cloth with white diamond designs, and the tsuba was an ivory white that had claw marks engravings and it jutted out six small thorns pointing up. The blade itself was longer than the average katana but not too long to be cumbersome for Katase. The blunt edge, colored ebony, was far more thicker than usual and smoothed perfectly for deflections and parries without buckling the steel. The sharp edge gleamed in silver of the steel and if one looked closely they would notice small serrations, perfect for drawing blood no matter how shallow a cut. The sheath for the blade was red with white stripes. The katana was a Sacred Treasure by the name of Blood Edge Kenshin, and depending on the user's magic will enhance her speed and lighten her body for easier physical feats such leaping and dodging.
"So, had enough, my Knights?" Issei said with a smirk.
"Fuck… you…" Murayama said, struggling through the groan of pain.
"Hey, put me on a date first." Issei teased, causing Murayama's cheeks to redden with rage.
"Kiba would've gone easy on us." Katase whined.
"Correction, he would've run you through the dirt." Issei interjected. "I don't mind your crush on Kiba, but don't let it blind you that he is a devoted swordsman. Unfortunately, I haven't seen him all day, which is odd for him."
Murayama blinked. "Wait, you don't mind us liking Kiba?"
"Why not?" Issei replied with a tilt of his head. "We are free to choose who to love, right? Did you think I'd be mad or something because I couldn't catch your attention?"
"YES!" The Kendo girls exclaimed, earning a big sweatdrop from Issei. Perhaps he let his lust run wild a bit too much.
"Okay then." Issei said awkwardly.
He sheathed his gladius, and thus ended the spar. It served as a way for his Knights to first connect to their Sacred Treasure and get used to their enhancements as devils. Issei was impressed at how quick they adapted, Katase mostly as she used her new speed to her advantage. Murayama, on the other hand, had slight mistakes in her fighting style but she was the first to at least activate her Sacred Treasure when she accidentally channeled a bolt of lightning at a tree.
"I was right to recruit the pair of you." Issei complimented. "The two of you are bursting with talent. Who knows? Maybe the both of you can fight Kiba in a spar and he can offer a date for the both of you. "
The Kendo girls petrified at the Issei's suggestion. "B-Both of us?!"
Issei nodded. "Mm-hm. Polygamy is a common practice in the supernatural world. If you two play your cards right, you both could get him."
When he finished those words, they leaped to their feet with a new strength as though they never had a spar. In fact, Issei could swear their eyes turned into blazing stars of determination to get the prince of their dreams. Issei chuckled internally of how his mischievous plan was set in motion.
[Sometimes you are evil, partner.] Ddraig chuckled.
'I don't know what you mean by that.' Issei replied mentally. 'I am after all the Sin of Lust. That blonde prince needs to get laid before the girls get the wrong idea of his sexual orientation.'
[I like to see him be a gentleman out of that situation.] Ddraig quipped.
The sound of two pairs of footsteps alerted the third King of Kuoh to newcomers in the field. He glanced behind him to find the rest of the Kings, Rias and Sona. Issei quirked an eyebrow at the serious look upon Rias' face matched with Sona's and it caused to frown. There was news that he needed to know and not the good kind.
"Murayama-san, Katase-san, you can retire for the day. If you can, finish some contracts, too." Issei dismissed the Kendo girls, who nodded in disappeared in a blur of speed. Issei faced his fellow Kings with a more professional attitude.
The Red Dragon Emperor got straight to the point. "What's going on?"
Sona started off. "This morning, two members of the church met with me and requested an audience with Rias."
Issei widened his eyes. "Excuse me? Last time I check, we're not exactly buddy-buddy with anyone from the church. Angels maybe, but I find it hard that any faithful human of the church would want an audience with a devil and not try to slice us apart."
Rias nodded. "I agree. There's no other reason for them to be here except to stir up trouble. Anyway, they will be meeting with us at the ORC tomorrow."
"There's one other thing that bothers us." Sona added. "Both of them were carrying Holy Swords."
Issei couldn't help but hang his head in exasperation. "Well, shit that's not good. If the church is willing to send exorcists with damn devil killers, it can't be anything good."
"That's not all." Sona said. "There was another one with them. An angel, but I feel like you need to know this. From what I gleamed from her, the angel was Ultimate-class. Stronger than even you are, at least without the Boosted Gear."
Issei's eyes widened. "You have to be fucking joking! Wherever you see it, there's nothing good about this. But if they are willing to talk, the best we can do on our end is to not start another Great War."
"There's no argument there." Rias said. "Just… stay safe, Ise-kun.
For all we know, the church knows of your power and they am Ultimate-class angel here to deal with you."
Issei made an assuring smile. "Heh, they can try, Rias-chan. I've made too many promises and dreams to die so soon."
(Issei's Home)
As Asia, Xulean, and Issei returned home after today's events, Issei felt that dangerous tickle of a holy aura. His eyes widened when it was coming from his house of all places. It wasn't the fact he could feel the presence of Holy Swords, but it was the massive holy signature that made him make a bead of cold sweat. His body tensed in action, but so much to warrant suspicion. Xulean automatically placed herself to guard Asia against any attack, and the three apprehensively approached the door.
The trio walked through the hall of Issei's home and heard the voice of his mother talking casually. That made Issei frown that the exorcist had already gotten familiar with his mother. He spied his head and saw two young woman wearing white cloaks. One was stoic with a head of blue hair, and was making it very obvious she had a Holy Sword leaning right beside her. The other one made his heart skip a beat. That rich brown, those beautiful purple eyes. He could not forget those details of his childhood friend, Irina Shidou, who had grown beautifully. Unlike the bluenette, Irina was as joyful as he remembered.
Much to his dismay, the powerful holy signature was in another room, specifically the kitchen. Issei decided to introduce himself and he walked into the room with Asia and Xulean behind him. Mrs. Hyodou immediately smiled at the appearance of her son and Irina's smile somehow shined upon seeing him. The bluenette however was giving off foul vibes. And to Issei's fury, it was directed at sweet, innocent Asia.
"Welcome home, Issei." Mrs. Hyodou greeted.
"It's been a while, hasn't it Issei?" Irina chirped.
'Holy crap, her smile glows just like Asia's.' Issei thought.
[I think you have a thing for holy maidens.] Ddraig commented.
'You shut up.' Issei barked.
On the outside, Issei smiled. "It's good to see you too, Irina-chan.
You've grown so beautiful from the tomboy I used to know."
Irina was so caught off by the sweet greeting that her cheeks went a little red. The bluenette however intensified her glare and sending little bits of killing intent. Mrs. Hyodou didn't sense it, but it made Asia slink behind Issei in fear and put Xulean on guard. Issei himself was trying his damn hardest to not attack the bluenette for scaring his Asia like that.
[Easy partner.] Ddraig said. [Once your mother leaves, you can
confront them.]
'At least Irina is okay.' Issei thought. 'If England was where she received her exorcist training, that would most likely mean she's a Protestant. At least that branch of the church is filled with sensible people that don't kill on sight. That bluenette on the other hand. Little to no joy, and trigger-happy faith if the glares she's sending us, definitely Catholic. Not good.'
Conveniently, there was the sound of something breaking followed by an 'Eep' of someone in the kitchen. Issei's mother rushed to the source, leaving the devils, exorcists, and one angel alone. Issei's demeanor changed into an instant and his smile broke into a serious frown.
"You know," Issei said, glaring at the bluenette, "you're not doing a good job of hiding a Holy Sword if you just wrap it up in cloth."
The mood in the room changed into an unnerving tension. Irina was dumbfounded and then horrified when she realized that her best friend was probably a devil. The bluenette on the other hand met Issei's glare.
"What is it to you, devil ?" The bluenette spat.
"What matters to me is that you're glaring at Asia-chan." Issei answered. "Pretty convenient, isn't it? You're in my home before I came here. Perfect opportunity to use my own family against me as leverage."
Irina gasped. "We wouldn't do that, Ise-kun!"
"I don't doubt that from you, but you would be surprised." Issei assured. "Your friend, however, I think differently. Catholics will do anything in the name of their faith."
The bluenette narrowed her eyes. "I wouldn't lower myself to scum."
"The Rhineland Massacres say differently." Issei retorted, earning surprised looks. "And from my perspective, the Catholic church hasn't changed at all."
The bluenette's eye twitched in agitation, unable to make a retort to that. She decided to turn her glare towards Asia. Issei couldn't help but breath in disappointment that the exorcist was blind to the fact that Asia wasn't a devil but an angel in fact.
"Irina-chan, as much as I hate to do this, I am going to ask you leave if your friend doesn't stop releasing killing intent like that." Issei said, and made no move for argument. Irina's eyes widened in shock before they settled in sad acceptance. Issei took Asia and Xulean to bed while Irina went to fetch the angel with them to leave. Even if he was a devil, Irina did not want to disrespect Issei, and she had to admit that her partner, Xenovia, wasn't exactly a ball of sunshine.
For now, Irina had to stop Ruby from eating the household's cookie stash.
(The Next Day; ORC)
Issei kept a steady eye on the bluenette, which he now knew as Xenovia, as the exorcists and the devils stood on opposite sides at the main table with the couches. Standing behind the exorcists was an the angel that introduced herself as Ruby, who was assigned to keep the girls safe. Despite the openly friendly way she greeted the devils, just glancing at her silver eyes was enough to make them shiver. It was as if her stare alone would annihilate them, indicating they held some sort of power. Issei and the rest of Rias' peerage as well as his own stood behind Rias as she sat facing the exorcists.
"It's fascinating that followers of the church would want to meet with a devil." Rias said.
"Well, here's the thing." Irina explained. "There are six Holy Swords we can account for the seven fragments that make up Excalibur. Two of them are still with the church, but the other four were stolen by fallen angels."
"Shit." Issei cursed as the rest gasped in shock. He knew that something was bound to happen like this the moment he got a contract with Azazel.
Xenovia showed the wrapped form of her 'hidden' Holy Sword. "This is Excalibur Destruction, my weapon."
Irina happily showed off the bracelet on her arm that quickly turned into a sword in her hand. "And this is my weapon, Excalibur Mimic."
"Well, what is it you would like us to do?" Rias asked.
"Stay completely out of this situation." Xenovia basically demanded nonchalantly. That earned a glare from Ruby actually at the tone in her voice while Irina glanced to her partner nervously. "This is between us and the fallen angels. We do not need devils in this matter."
'I seriously am not liking this bitch.' Issei thought.
"Are you warning us?" Rias questioned sternly.
"It would make sense that you would help the fallen angels so the church would not be able to obtain the Holy Swords." Xenovia implied. "If so, then we will have no choice-"
"Enough, Xenovia!" Ruby interrupted. To Issei's surprise, apparently their guardian angel was also getting tired of Xenovia's attitude. "If you honestly thought they wouldn't side with the fallen angels, then there's no need to antagonize them."
"Yes, Angel-sama." Xenovia replied, but Ruby rolled her eyes at the suffix.
"You do know that I will not aide you as well." Rias noted.
"Of course, we don't expect you to." Xenovia said, and the exorcists stood up from their seats. "We won't waste anymore of your time."
The exorcists and Ruby made their way out of the ORC, but Xenovia suddenly stopped locking her eyes on Asia. Issei's senses could pick up the minimal killing intent aimed at the blonde, but it was enough to make Issei enraged. Irina and Ruby stopped, the latter narrowing her silver eyes on Xenovia as she approached the devil with Excalibur Destruction in hand.
"Are you Asia Argento?" Xenovia asked.
"Y-Yes!" Asia meekly answered.
"It makes sense that a witch would go to the devils." Xenovia said heatedly, and Issei found himself struggling to keep his anger in check. In fact, his own peerage was prepping themselves to jump in for Asia's sake.
"Tell me, despite joining the devils, do you still have faith in God?" Xenovia pressed on.
"Xenovia, I don't think we should-" Irina warned her partner, but the bluenette completely ignored her.
"Yes I do, but-" Asia said but was interrupted by Xenovia.
"If that is so, then I should cleave your head off so your soul may join in God's grace." Xenovia declared as she approached Asia fulling intent on doing the deed.
Something snapped in Issei at that moment, and in a flash of purple light he had summoned Herritt pointed at Xenovia's head. The arms of the Boosted Gearwere summoned as well, shocking Irina at the fact that her friend was born with a Longinus.
"You will die before your stroke fell!" Issei threatened, crossing the twin bows of energy together into a cross formation.
Xenovia instead met the challenge and her hand blurred to reach for the handle of Excalibur Destruction. The rest of the devils were going to jump into action summoning their magic or drawing their weapons, but they would be too late. However, the tension all stopped when Xenovia's hand was held in a tight hold by none other than Ruby.
The bluenette was caught off by that and whipped her head around to ask Ruby why she stopped her.
"Angel-sama-" Xenovia didn't get the chance to finish before… SMACK!… she was met with a harsh slap across her right cheek. The fierce sound of the cheek being struck reverberated through the ORC and stopped their motions completely as they stared with wide eyes at the scene. Irina had her hands over her mouth at the fact Xenovia was just slapped by an angel no less. The slap which carried enough strength to make the bluenette fall to one knee and hold her burning cheek red with pain. Even a few tears were gathering in her golden eyes. When she looked up to Ruby, Xenovia froze on the absolute livid expression.
"You," Ruby hissed, her holy aura lashing out and making the air itself thicker, "are an absolute disgrace to the church, Xenovia Quarta."
"Angel-sama, I-"
"SHUT UP!" Ruby roared, unveiling her eight angel wings and her eyes actually glowing a bright silver. "You have no right to threaten the maiden. We are in a foreign territory, and the first thing you think of is to kill someone we have no quarrel with!? We are peacekeepers, not murderers!
"When Christ died to the Romans, did he wish for vengeance? No!
Even in death, he had no hate for the ones that killed him! He even gave them a chance to redeem themselves. If God himself were to condemn a person because of one sin, most of the human race would not exist. That's because no matter what, he always gives the people a chance for redemption, not to snuff their life away instantly when they can fix it. He will never hate and always forgives the sin of humans. I thought you were better than this Xenovia. Griselda said good things about you, but all I see is a waste of talent."
At the end of Ruby's rant, Xenovia was a whimpering mess. "I-I'm sorry."
"Save it!" Hissed Ruby. "Maybe if you paid attention, you would realize that Asia is producing a holy aura."
Xenovia widened her eyes and stared at the blonde. Seeing the message, Asia revealed her status as an angel revealing her white wings and halo. Irina gaped at the sight and at the fact her partner was about to kill an angel. That realization started to settle in Xenovia's mind as well and all she could do was hate herself.
"Your blade would've hit no witch, but an innocent angel." Ruby berated, roughly pulling Xenovia to her feet.
The angel then took a deep breath retracting her aura and her wings.
Her silver eyes settled on Asia, softening on contact. To everyone's surprise, Ruby made a small bow to the blonde.
"I wish we could have met under better circumstances." Ruby said. "If it is any consolation, most of us in Heaven protested your banishment but it was too late. The church may find it a weakness, but I believe that the fact that you would help a stranger in need is one of the strongest virtues in this world, even if they are a devil. Heaven's gates will always be open to you."
At that last sentence, Ruby almost bugged her eyes out when Asia glomped her in a hug. She froze for a moment as Asia cried muffled thanks into her red cloak before returning the hug. After a long moment, Ruby reluctantly pushed Asia at arm's length.
"You're lucky to have such a loyal boyfriend to protect you." Ruby said, causing Asia to blush.
"How are you okay with that?" Asia asked.
Ruby chuckled before leaning towards Asia's ear. "Let's just say I have intimate experience as such."
'And to think each of us are dating one of the Dragon Emperors.' Ruby thought as she recognized Issei's Sacred Gear as the Boosted Gear. 'Vali dear is going to flip.'
Asia's eyes widened in realization, but did not bother to voice it out.
Suddenly, the voice of Kiba caught everyone's attention, especially to the devils that haven't seen him for a whole day.
"You have Holy Swords." Kiba spoke in a dark tone. "I challenge you to a duel."
"Who are you to challenge us?" Irina asked, on guard.
"Your senior." Kiba answered.
'Shit, what happened to you, Kiba?' Issei thought in shock.
Another chapter bites the dust. You all finally got a look at Ruby, the silver angel. So yeah, there is not much different on her design, except her hair. As for her age, think of this more or less eight months after the fall of Beacon. I will explain more about her appearance in the story, but basically Eliza found her on the ruins of Beacon tower when she thought she sensed her father. Ruby was reincarnated but there was no indication of what card was used despite Eliza using her Ace, and I am deciding whether she has memory loss or not. Ruby will play a bigger role in the story, and as for weapons she uses two Holy Swords.
That bit with Xenovia is just my way of venting. I absolutely hated how much of an ass she was to sweet Asia and I can't forgive Xenovia. She needed to know that she was over stepping her boundaries.
Up next is Chapter 11.
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